Film director R Arangkannal of Parti Socialis Malaysia, said racial politics had dominated the political landscape in the country for far too long, resulting in neglect of major issues and challenges afflicting the majority of the people.

“Our country’s politics has been controlled by the same political leaders and elite groups. It is time to move away and change the political narrative in the country. This is what PSM wants to accomplish and it starts with Kota Iskandar,” said Arangkannal, who goes by Ara, in an interview with FMT.

Ara said the working class of Johor was badly affected by the government’s mishandling of the Covid-19 pandemic, with many falling into poverty. The people’s problems were exacerbated by the recent floods, causing voters to turn to other political alternatives to fulfil their hopes and aspirations.

“People are frustrated and are showing anger towards the government. They want change and we believe we can provide a fresh political agenda that really benefits the people,” he said.

Citing the Iskandar Malaysia economic corridor, which was formerly known as the Iskandar Development Region and the South Johor Economic Region, Ara said the mega-development in Kota Iskandar only targeted the upper class.

He said the main issues that needed to be resolved in Kota Iskandar were affordable housing and public transport for the working class.

“If the people give me a chance and the mandate to serve them, these two issues will be my priority,” he said.

Ara will be in a five-way contest for the urban seat; his rivals are Dzulkefly Ahmad of Amanah, who seeks re-election; Pandak Ahmad (Barisan Nasional), Zaini Abu Bakar (Pejuang) and Samsudin Ismail (Perikatan Nasional).

Election Commission data shows that just over 50% of voters in Kota Iskandar are Malay, with a sizable proportion of Chinese (35%) and Indian (13%) voters in the constituency.